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A New Year - New Way to Travel - Final Countdown
Monday February-6-2012
Submitted by: mikesmith

The list so far...

10. Learn to let go of the past
9. Help others
8. Manage stress
7. Learn something new
6. Save money
5. Enjoy life more

4. Get Organized
When it comes to planning for active travel it is best to know before you go. Start by checking your municipality’s website for route planning resources, such as maps. Explore and try out different routes to see which ones you like best. Get a group together, when it comes to active travel, being with others is safer and a lot more fun! Here's an idea. Sing up for Winter Walk Day at your school and join thousands of students across Canada who are braving the cold February weather. Should be easy for us West coasters, eh? Take one step further and check out HASTE's tools and programs to organize a walking school bus or bike train at your school, any time of year!

3. Quit Smoking (from your tailpipe)
Did you know that transportation causes about one-third of Canada's air pollution? (New Brunswick, Department of Environment). Families can take part in reducing emissions and their impact on our environment simply by walking or biking to school. Many of us often drive for very short trips (under 2kms) that could easily be made on foot or by bike. This year witness how small changes in your travel choices can make a big difference. Visit the professor at HASTE's My Travel Calculator to measure your CO2 emissions and then challenge yourself or a friend to do better.

2. Fit in Fitness
Living an active and healthy lifestyle often finds its way into the Top 3 of any New Year's Resolutions list, and why wouldn’t it. Being healthy can greatly enhance your physical and mental well-being! While February gyms still overflow with fitness resolution go-getters, this year avoid all the chaos by simply energizing your daily commute. Walk or bike to work, school, or for daily errands. Even taking transit starts and ends on foot. Every extra step or pedal will bring you that much closer to reaching your 2012 fitness resolutions. Still not convinced? Need more healthy tips? Check out what the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada has to offer during Heart Month this February.

1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends
OK, here we are at number 1! And really there’s no better way to spend time with family and friends (and get exercise at the same time) than walking to school or a bike ride in the park. Research shows that parents who walk their children to school instead of driving are spending more valuable social time with their family and peers whilst being physically active.  Multitasking in the most effective way! Need we say more?


Oh, of course, why did the chicken cross the road? He was on his way to school, obviously! With a little help from his friends.

Thanks for reading! We hope our list has given you some new (and old) ideas about the benefits of active travel and how we can all incorporate walking and wheeling into our daily routines. Chat soon!

A New Year - A New Way to Travel: Part II
Monday January-23-2012
Submitted by: mikesmith

7. Learn Something New - Or rediscover something old! A Canadian study found that although 94% of adults rode bikes as children, only 6% are frequent users today (Green Report, 2010). There is no better time than the start of a new year to dust off your old bike and take advantage of British Columbia’s growing cycling infrastructure. Discover Google maps new “bicycle” option to help guide your school travel on marked cycling infrastructure and then share your favourite route to school with others by using HASTE’s Online Route Planner.

6. Save Money - Feeling a little financially crunched after the holidays? Need to cut back on your spending? Here’s one way: Did you know that it costs an average of $7000 per year to own and operate a motor vehicle and only $150 annually for a bicycle? (Health Canada, 2007). Think of what you could do with those savings!  And guess what? Walking is totally FREE! (well except for the cost of shoes, I guess).

5. Enjoy Life More - I think we can all relate to this one to some degree.  Walking and Cycling allow for more personal and environmental interaction within your community.  Just watching a child’s commute to school reminds us that transportation is not only about “moving people and goods, it is about wonder, discovery, joy and happiness" (O’Brien, 2005).  Grab life by the handle bars and sign up for Bike to School Week in May (details to come) and look for International Walk to School Week in October and see how easy it can be to add some happiness into your daily commute.

That's it, hope it helps.  Stay tuned for the next blog posting as we make our way to the #1 resolution of the year!

 Read resolutions 10,9, and 8 here!

 

A New Year – A New Way to Travel
Monday January-9-2012
Submitted by: mikesmith

Looking to lose weight? Want to spend more time with friends and family? Trying to save money?
Do these resolutions sound familiar? 

See how HASTE has put a new spin on the 10 most popular New Year’s resolutions. You’ll be amazed at how active and sustainable transportation can help achieve your New Year’s resolutions this year.

Over the next month stay tuned as we post active and fun travel solutions to common new year's resolutions.  Counting down from 10, here we go with the first 3.

10. Learn to let go of the past - Just as we have moved from horse to engine, it’s now time to “Dispense of the Motor Vehicle” (if only for every day local travel). In 2012 try to let go of traditional driving habits and join the active transportation future! Walking and biking are two of the oldest and most efficient forms of self-propelled transportation. Maybe we shouldn’t be letting go of the past after all?

9. Help Others – Be a role model at your school and in the community and inspire others by walking the walk or biking the talk! Find helpful resources on HASTE's website for ways to encourage active transportation initiatives at your school! 

8. Manage Stress - Driving can be a very stressful activity. You can alleviate that stress by leaving the car at home and walking or biking to your destination. Fresh air and a dose of physical activity makes you feel good and contributes to a healthy head and heart.

The list continues! Read more resolutions here
 

Separated bike lanes - an idea so simple, even kids get it!
Friday October-28-2011
Submitted by: Omar

DreamRider Theatre's ace reporter, 9 year old Tina, digs up some dirt on Vancouver's new separated bike lanes.

This video, which features local Vancouver luminaries Amy Walker and Councilor Andrew Reimer, is one of the first put out through DreamRider Theatre's Good Green News program, which highlights news in your neighbourhood reported by kids about the good green things happening.

DreamRider Theatre is Greater Vancouver's environmental education theatre company. HASTE staff had the pleasure of working with DreamRider Theatre as part of Translink's TravelSmart to School pilot program in 2010. Their excellent lives shows get kids informed and energized about a range of environmental issues.

 

Walk21 Active and Safe Routes to School Pre-Conference Workshop Report
Monday October-17-2011
Submitted by: Omar

Earlier this month, 50 participants from across Canada and around the world spent a sunny Sunday afternoon at a workshop coordinated by HASTE.

Participants had an opportunity to introduce themselves and their work, followed by presentations on different developments in the field of Active and Safe Routes to School. After lunch, participants divided into groups for discussions on the three topics covered in the presentations:

  • TDM (Transportation Demand Management) in high schools;
  • Programs and strategies for rural schools and communities; and
  • Road safety in Canada and around the world.

Avril Orloff, a local graphic facilitor, worked feaverishly throughout the day to create a beautiful mural that captured the day's proceedings, inspired conversation and creativity during the workshop, and was featured at the final day of the Walk21 conference.

Digital pictures of Avril's murals, along with the power point presentations of most of the day's presenters, are linked to below. More will be uploaded soon. We hope they will allow participants to reconnect with the ideas and energy that emerged from the workshop, and provide those interested but unable to attend with some insights into the day's events:

Pace Car Program Grants
Friday September-2-2011
Submitted by: Omar

Safe Kids Canada is offering $500 Pace Car grants in support of the “Walk This Way” Child Pedestrian Program. Decrease speeding in residential communities everywhere by introducing a Pace Car Program in your neighbourhood!

Starting a pace car program in your school community is a piece of cake: PArents sign the Pace Car Supporters Pledge and proudly display the official Pace Car emblems on their cars. By signing the pledge, they agree to drive the posted speed limit. Their cars become a "mobile speed bump" slowing speeding traffic behind them. Traffic is not only calmed on one street, but throughout a neighbourhood. Drivers also agree to be more aware of, and courteous to, other road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists.

To find out more about the Pace Car program and apply for funding to get your started, visit: http://www.safekidscanada.ca/Professionals/Safety-Information/Pedestrian...

Walk21 Active and Safe Routes to School Pre-Conference Workshop
Wednesday July-27-2011
Submitted by: Omar

Before the 2011 Walk21 Vancouver Conference officially gets underway, join practitioners from across BC, Canada and the world for a day of learning and discussion on current topics in school- and youth-focussed transportation. This workshop will be an opportunity to meet practitioners and supporters of Active and Safe Routes to School, and address important and emerging topics in the field, including:

  • TDM (Transportation Demand Management) in high schools;
  • Programs and strategies for rural schools and communities; and
  • Road safety in Canada and around the world.
  • Note: if you have a topic you think should be included, please let us know: info@hastebc.org

A morning of introductions and panel presentations will be followed by a catered lunch and an opportunity to network and reflect. The afternoon will see facilitated discussions, allowing participants to delve into the issues, develop ideas, and identify possible next steps for action and collaboration. Graphic facilitator extraordinaire Avril Orloff will be documenting the discussions as they unfold, creating a mural to capture the ideas and issues that emerge.

Where: Multipurpose Room #4 / Creekside Community Center / 1 Athletes Way / Vancouver, British Columbia

When: Sunday, October 02, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Registration is open now, and involves a nominal fee. Attendants will be asked to share their stories and participate in all aspects of the event: please come ready to introduce yourself and your work, and contribute to the conversation. For those regsitered for the Walk21 conference, the workshop will wrap up in time for you to attend the pre-conference walking tours and the Mayor's Walk21 opening reception, happening at the same venue.

NOTE: You do not have to be registered for the Vancouver Walk21 Conference to attend this workshop.

Global Children's Challenge
Monday July-4-2011
Submitted by: Omar

The Global Children's Challenge just might be the perfect compliment to iWalk (International Walk to School) this fall. For those looking to take their walking to the next level, the GCC gives classes 50 days - and all the resources they need, including pedometers, maps, etc. - to walk all the way around the world.

"Facilitated by teachers within classrooms, the Global Children's Challenge empowers children to change their relationship with exercise, their bodies and the environment. The benefits extend beyond making exercise easy and fun – it complements the curriculum, covering everything from geography and social studies to history and technology."

The Challenge is free to join, but requires an application and dedicated teachers. Registration is open, and the event kicks off on Thursday, September 15th 2011 - so if your class is ready to taking walking to the next level, head over the the Global Children's Challenge website and sign up: http://www.gccjunior.org

Register Your School for iWalk: October 3-7, 2011
Tuesday May-17-2011
Submitted by: Omar

 iWalk - also known as International Walk to School Week - is an annual, week-long, world-wide event held every year in October that encourages students, parents, staff and community members to celebrate the many benefits of walking to school together. Register Now!

Last year in BC, over 23 938 students from 271 schools spanning 45 school districts participated and enjoyed the benefits of healthy and active living with their parents and peers, while helping to reduce school-travel emission and create a more walkable world.

Register online before June 30th to ensure your school receives its iWalk package early: registered schools will receive posters, stickers and practical planning resources to help plan anWalk to School Week in their school community.

For more iWalk information and resources, click here.

Hazelgrove Elementary families are excited to have Mayor Watts join them on their walk to school
Wednesday May-4-2011
Submitted by: Omar

Surrey’s Walk and Roll to School Challenge, organized by HASTE, the Hub for Action on School Transportation Emissions, and the City of Surrey, officially kicked of on April 20th to celebrate Earth Day. Mayor Dianne Watts joined children and their families on their morning walk to Hazelgrove Elementary. This is the largest elementary school in Surrey, with over 700 students, so to see the parking lot almost empty of vehicles dropping off students was very welcome to Carrie Johns, Hazelgrove's PAC Chair. Johns comment: “it looks like the middle of the day, not your usual drop off or pick up, this is exciting to see”.



Almost 70% of Hazelgrove's students walked to school on the day. Other guests included the School District Superintendent Mike McKay, School Board Trustee Ijaz Chatha, Area Superintendent Alan Jones, Fraser Health’s Lori Smart, City of Surrey staff and their Parks division mascot, Douglas Fir. Hazelgrove’s vice-principal Christine Shepherd says “It was exciting to see so many children walk to school today! We are pleased to see that the number of cars in the parking lot was greatly reduced. It is wonderful to see the children and their families making a conscious decision to take care of themselves and the environment by walking to school”.

HASTE Newsletter 3.3 - For Health, the Earth... and Fun!
Thursday April-21-2011
Submitted by: Omar

New MyTravel Calculator

HASTE's MyTravel calculator has always gotten rave reviews from teachers and students - it's a fun, smart and easy to use tool that helps calculate the environmental impacts of trips to and from school. And now, a couple of changes will make MyTravel even more powerful and accessible.

professor e-smartFirst, we built a new version of MyTravel in Java Script. This new calculator runs smoothly on just about any computer, even the "classic" and "vintage" models found in some schools! Though not as flashy, it still has all of the best features of the original MyTravel - with the added benefit that it can be used to calculate the impacts of any kind of trip, not just to-and-from school. If your computer has had hiccups with MyTravel in the past, we invite you to give the new version a try.

Second, we added some context to the results MyTravel calculates to make them even more relevant and accessible. Help your students figure out how many apples they'll have to eat to have enough energy for Bike to School Week. Or how many trees it would take to remove the ammount of Green House Gasses they're saving by carpooling.

Gearing up for Bike to School Week

Spring is here, and that means Bike to School Week is right around the corner. BtSW encourages students and school staff to try biking to school, and celebrate with those who already do. Cycling is a great way to increase personal and environmental health, cut down on transportation emissions, and have some fun on your way to and from school.

btsw

Schools in Metro Vancouver can participate in the Vancouver Area Cycilng Coalition's BtSW event. Kelowna area schools will want to connect with the IGo program. Plans are underway on the Sunshine Coast for a Bike to School event in June. Schools in other communities can design your own event - check the HASTE website for helpful ideas and resources.

(If you're in Metro Vancouver, it's not too late to enter the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition's BTsW Poster Contest!)

Helping more BC Schools go Idle Free

coupez le contactWe've added more resources to help schools reduce vehicle idling. Thanks to the Government of Saskatchewan's Go Green Program, HASTE now has Anti-Idling Resources in French: a poster, an outdoor signage template and information cards that explain the impacts of idling. And to help take Anti-Idling to a larger scale, we've assembled a list of sample School Board Anti-Idling policies and a summary of Anti-Idling Bylaws from accross BC. If your School Board or Municipality is interested in going Idle Free, HASTE can help!

Quick Hits

* OMG its almost Earth Day!

* Today is the first day of the City of Surrey's Walk and Roll to School Challenge.

* Public Health Agency of Canada has released new Physical Activity Guidelines for Children and Youth.

* Part of the National STP program, the Sustainable Happiness project has released a Teacher's Guide for grades P/K-6

Stepping It Up: Kids Say Walking to School is Healthy, Fun, and Good for the Environment

Tuesday April-12-2011
Submitted by: Omar

Metrolinx in Ontario has created a great web video about the benefits of walking to school, as explained by students. Watch and learn about how elementary school students feel about their walk to school and why they are encouraging their peers to try it.

More Info: Over the past 20 years, in Canada and all over the world, there has been a steady decline in active travel to/from school (walking, biking, etc). Students who could be using active ways are instead getting a ride in the family vehicle, and missing out on opportunities for exercise, fresh air, and social time with friends and family.

Check out the Teacher's Guide for classrooms that was created to accompany this video: http://tiny.cc/SIUTeachersGuide

STEPPING it UP is a two-part motivational video about the benefits of active travel to school. Watch the other part of the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XUyslpUCb4

The video is part of pilot project happening in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area - for more information about the Stepping It Up pilot project visit http://www.metrolinx.com/mx/schooltravel/default.aspx

Cool Routes to School at F.W. Howay Elementary
Wednesday April-6-2011
Submitted by: Omar

Last December, as part of HASTE'S Cool Routes to School program in New Westminster, students at FW Howay were out of classroom to help enforce vehicle speeds around their school. Equipped with a radar gun and a clipboard, students clocked and measure the speed of cars along Cumberland Street - at street where speeding is often a concern.

Students quickly learned that many drivers do not respect the 30 km/hr school zone limit and witnessed first hand the power of enforcement as cars quickly reduced their speeds upon seeing the orange and yellow vests and radar gun. Many students also commented on how big and noisy vehicles can be and that many of them contained only the one driver.

HASTE's Cool Routes to School program uses a student leadership model that encourages student to become transportation champions at their school with the goal of increasing active and safe travel and reducing the use and reliance on vehicles. To find out more about Cool Routes to School, please contact Mike Smith, the program co-ordinator, at mike@hastebc.org.

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